E-mail, Feeds, 'n' Stuff

Monday, March 23, 2009

What he says to sober people

After he left last week's gleeful celebration with Fireman Pele here in Fake Madrid, Oregon, the commissioner of the "major league" soccer league took a few moments to speak to a New York Times reporter who was writing a story about the financial woes of pro sports leagues. And this is what he said:

But Commissioner Don Garber said there was reason to worry.

"We’re all dependent on ad dollars and people spending money on tickets," he said. "I don’t believe people will prioritize spending over putting food on the table."

Don't worry, Don. The gullible taxpayers of Portland will be here for you. Go by streetcar!

BTW, the Times story continues the soccer league's line, hotly repeated by its new franchise in Seattle, that the average ticket to the game is priced under $20. Funny thing -- in selling the financial loosey-goosey deal that the Portland City Council approved 3-2, the proponents down here reportedly used a number well north of $30. Which is it?

KIRKLAND , WASH. — Season ticket packages will be based on an 18 home match schedule with prices starting as low as $288 for a full-season ticket package. All home matches will be played at Qwest Field.

“We’ve created a variety of season ticket packages to meet the needs of our passionate soccer fans in the Pacific Northwest,” said majority owner Joe Roth.

Season ticket prices per match are $16, $20, $24, $29 and $35. Ticket prices in Club Wells Fargo are $39 and $75 per match.

Fans seated in $75 ticket sections will receive exclusive benefits that include reserved parking and an all inclusive menu hosted in the FSN Lounge. The menu will feature regional flavors and local ingredients prepared by a personal Chef.

In the north end of the stadium, fans seated in $24 ticket sections will enjoy an all inclusive experience featuring classic stadium food and beverages.

Each season ticket holder will be assigned a personal customer sales representative to assist with their seating selection. Fans who placed deposits for Sounders FC will be sent an e-mail this week inviting them to submit their seating preferences through an interactive website.

The team has created a unique site to help fans find their ideal seat location based on personal interests such as group affiliations, teammates from the soccer leagues they play in, or the desire to sing, chant and stand during matches.

With a seating capacity of 24,500 in the lower bowl, soccer fans will enjoy excellent views in a stadium that was built to host professional soccer matches. Qwest Field’s upper bowl will be covered to create a more intimate atmosphere.

“To create a world class environment, we will encourage fans to bring horns, banners, streamers and noisemakers to replicate the atmosphere similar to the great international matches,” said Vulcan Sports & Entertainment CEO Tod Leiweke.

Launched in November 2007, Seattle Sounders FC became the 15th club in Major League Soccer and will begin play during the 2009 MLS season. The ownership group includes film producer Joe Roth, Adrian Hanauer, Vulcan Sports & Entertainment and comedian Drew Carey. The team has received deposits for more than 14,700 season tickets since the announcement.

For information on Sounders FC season tickets please visit www.soudersfc.com or call 1-877-MLS-GOAL.

“To create a world class environment, we will encourage fans to bring horns, banners, streamers and noisemakers to replicate the atmosphere similar to the great international matches,” said Vulcan Sports & Entertainment CEO Tod Leiweke.

luckily, Seattle already has two "world class" professional teams that are bringing in lots of jobs and financial benefits to the city.

except one of the teams left, and the other isn't bringing the city much financial benefit at all.

If any of these "thirst thursday" people honestly think they are going to get decent season ticket seats anywhere near the field, they better be prepared to pay upwards of one thousand dollars or more. The cheap seats will be much like the sorry souls that watch Seahawks games from third level; where you are probably better off seeing the game on TV.

At the city council hearing when Paulson was asked if the franchise fee could and would be less than $40M (I think Saltzman asked the question),and if he would apply the difference to the financing "shortfall". He answered like a politician, "I'd like to, but there are many other variables", then he squirmed in his chair.

I wish Paulson was sworn in, because he knew right then that he wasn't going to be paying $40 Million. But for me, he's given the council false representation, and it's too bad we don't have a council that see's it this way.

Road Work

Miles run year to date: 155
At this date last year: 241
Total run in 2015: 271
In 2014: 401
In 2013: 257
In 2012: 129
In 2011: 113
In 2010: 125
In 2009: 67
In 2008: 28
In 2007: 113
In 2006: 100
In 2005: 149
In 2004: 204
In 2003: 269